Summer SAVY, Session 2 Day 1, Forensic Science: Cracking the Case (1st-2nd)
Happy Monday! We had a fantastic day kicking off our first session of Cracking the Case! We explored how forensic science allows us to test and observe evidence found at crime scenes. Forensic science combines biology, chemistry, and physics, and this week we will dive into how these sciences work together to help solve mysteries and bring justice.
Today, we focused on an exciting part of forensic science: fingerprints. We learned that forensic scientists use fingerprints to identify people and solve criminal cases. Our lesson covered the three main fingerprint patterns: arch, whorl, and loop. We also examined the unique characteristics within these patterns—like dots, enclosures, and forks—that experts look for when comparing prints. To confirm a match, examiners need to find at least eight matching characteristics between prints.
We watched an engaging video showing how crime scene investigators collect fingerprints. The process includes dusting surfaces with powder, lifting prints carefully with tape, and bringing them to the lab for photography. Once in the lab, the prints are scanned and entered into a large database, where computers help identify possible matches. We also discussed some limitations of fingerprint analysis. One limitation discussed was that only prints already in the database or collected during investigations can be matched. As a result, there are cases where prints found at a crime scene don’t have a match and can’t help solve the case.
The best part? We got to collect and identify our own fingerprints! Students brought home their prints, and you can ask them to share their fingerprint patterns with you. Encourage your child to describe the characteristics they noticed in their own prints.
Extension Activities for Families
- Fingerprint Scavenger Hunt:
At home, help your child find fingerprint patterns on everyday objects like glass cups, doorknobs, or phones. Use a magnifying glass or a smartphone camera zoom to observe any ridges or patterns. Can they identify if the print is an arch, whorl, or loop?
- DIY Fingerprint Kit:
Using common household items such as cocoa powder or baby powder and clear tape, create a simple fingerprint collection kit. Have your child practice dusting and lifting their fingerprints from various surfaces and then compare the prints to see if they notice any patterns or details.
- Fingerprint Art Project:
Encourage your child to create a piece of art using their fingerprints as the base. They can use colored ink pads or washable paint to stamp their fingerprints onto paper and then connect or decorate the prints to make animals, designs, or abstract art.
- Research a Famous Case:
Together, research a famous criminal case where fingerprint evidence played a crucial role in solving it. Discuss how fingerprint evidence helped catch the suspect and what challenges investigators faced.
Discussion Questions for Families
- What are the three main fingerprint patterns, and how can you recognize them?
- Why do forensic scientists need at least eight matching characteristics to confirm a fingerprint match?
- How do investigators collect fingerprints at a crime scene? What steps do they take to make sure the prints are useful?
- What are some limitations of using fingerprints in forensic science?
- Can you think of reasons why some fingerprints found at crime scenes might not be useful in solving a case?
- How might modern technology help improve fingerprint analysis in the future?
- What did you find interesting about your own fingerprint? Did you notice any special characteristics like dots or forks?
